1. Practical discipleship
James 2: 14-26

2. Potential contradiction
Rock:
Stone | Music genre | Chair | Supporter
“Zelos”
Jealousy or Zeal
Football or Soccer
Same words can have different meanings
Different words can have the same meaning

3. Robert J. McCloskey (US State Department spokesman)
What we say matters
“I know you think you understand what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realise that what you heard is not what I meant”
Robert J. McCloskey (US State Department spokesman)

4. Faith or Works or both? Justify
“For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law” – Romans 3:38
“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone” – James 2:24
Justify
“to absolve or declare free of blame”
“to prove to be right, valid or real”

5. Faith or Works or both? Cause & Effect
Paul: Salvation is a free gift; through faith: by grace alone
James: How is our faith demonstrated in daily living?
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” – Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIVUK)

6. What kind of faith? 3 Types of Counterfeit Faith Authentic Faith
Dead faith
Demonic faith
Deceptive faith
Authentic Faith
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love” – Galatians 5:6
“…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” – v. 17
“Even the demons believe there is one God – and shudder!” – v. 19
“…faith without deeds is useless” – v. 20

7. Faith in action Abraham Rahab Timeline gap (20+ years?)
Paul: Abraham believed the promise and was justified by faith
James: obedience in the test confirmed Abraham’s faith
Rahab
Faith and actions worked together
“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” – Genesis 15:6

9. The takeaway Don’t Do Give up Doubt Be proud Be tempted Be deceived
Avoid immorality
Just listen
Show favouritism or have boundary lines Do
Persevere
Believe
Be humble
Resist
Trust God
Be righteous
Act
Love others
Quick to listen
Slow to speak
Slow to get angry
Care for the poor, orphans and the disenfranchised

10. The takeaway Confirm our faith by our actions
“Act justly; love mercy; walk humbly with God” – Micah 6:8
“…continue to work out your salvation” – Philippians 12b-13
Fruit of the Spirit is love; joy; peace; patience; kindness; goodness; faithfulness; gentleness; self-control – Galatians 5:22-23
Immature Christians talk about their faith; mature Christians live out their faith – every day, in every way, everywhere